frailty

noun

frail·​ty ˈfrāl-tē How to pronounce frailty (audio)
plural frailties
1
: the quality or state of being frail
the frailty of her health
the frailty and disability in the elderly
2
: a fault due to weakness especially of moral character
Satire … often employs irony and sarcasm to denounce the frailties and faults of mankind.Harry Shaw
Choose the Right Synonym for frailty

fault, failing, frailty, foible, vice mean an imperfection or weakness of character.

fault implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit.

a writer of many virtues and few faults

failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character.

being late is a failing of mine

frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation.

human frailties

foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy.

an eccentric's charming foibles

vice can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others.

compulsive gambling was his vice

Examples of frailty in a Sentence

the frailty of her voice We can no longer be surprised by the frailties of our political leaders.
Recent Examples on the Web Physical frailty may limit activities and cost more than expected. Bill Conerly, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 This provides the greatest benefit, including less risk of frailty in old age, plus better mental function. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 26 Sep. 2024 Research shows that if left untreated, hearing loss can increase the risk of social isolation, depression, cognitive decline and frailty. Juliana Kim, NPR, 14 Sep. 2024 Prioritizing good nutrition and resistance training also plays an important role in improving symptoms and preventing falls and frailty. Angela Haupt, TIME, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for frailty 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'frailty.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English frelete, freelte, borrowed from Anglo-French freleté, going back to Latin fragilitāt-, fragilitās, from fragilis "liable to break, weak, fragile" + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of frailty was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near frailty

Cite this Entry

“Frailty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frailty. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

frailty

noun
frail·​ty ˈfrā(-ə)l-tē How to pronounce frailty (audio)
plural frailties
1
: the quality or state of being frail
2
: a weakness of character

More from Merriam-Webster on frailty

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